Jeff Fisher to Andy Reid "..if he stays healthy"

Hello Titans faithful! This is you old pal Vinny Garducci checking in from Nashville.

I had the honor of making it out to see The Titans put a real humdinger of a wrap on the 2011 pre-season last night, watching Mr. Locker impress and impress again. During the game I received texts from Allan stating that Vince Young had indeed gone down with another injury, after looking pretty good against The Jets scrubs.

It made me recall a conversation I had with Ex-Titans Head Coach Jeff Fisher where he passed along that he believed Vince may find success in Philly to Eagles coach Andy Reid. He punctuated his words with the comment "if he stays healthy". Though this could be said about any player in The NFL it is particularly relevant to Young, who has never been able to start an entire 16. Of course #9 isn't expected to start unless Mr. Vick goes down himself but the chronic injury bug that has now followed Young from Tennessee to Philly could spell a short run in the City of Brotherly Love.

For the sake of Vince Young fans everywhere lets hope those wheels heal quickly.

Forever yours,

Vin.

Who is Vinnie Garducci really?

As if you didn't know already..

Click here if you really want to know

Vince Young and the NFL Labor Showdown

Touring some of my favorite (annual) Georgetown haunts the past few days seemed a bit more dreary than usual this spring until running into a friend in the biz. My old pal, who shall remain nameless here (though he has a very "porn star" handle) had a tiny bit of Titans insight to pass along. Turns out, that unbeknownst to myself, our man #10 has indeed been keeping in touch (until this past week obviously) with the new staff and it has been discussed that should the showdown between the NFL and the players extend to the point where Tennessee cannot pull the trigger on a QB they covet they will indeed pay out the bonus and keep #10 on for the upcoming season.

This could be construed as a "tryout" of sorts for his own job. Interesting indeed.

I will certainly follow up on this story when I return to Nashville.

Stay Tuned!

Vin.

Biddle gets something right; Young for Kolb trade may happen

NOTE: This is a post written during my absence. Facts are still relevant in the face of the labor dispute.

I've only recently arrived in Tennessee but I was well aware of legendary Nashville media icon Joe Biddle long ago. Biddle has carved a national reputation for himself, as Deadspin recognized in this piece from five years ago.
http://deadspin.com/#!151788/why-you...cks-joe-biddle

Biddle's columns are largely ignored by everyone I know, save for those occasions when a good laugh is needed. "Hey, Vinny, check out the latest crap this fool wrote! You'll laugh your arse off." Reading a Biddle article requires the same sense of humor it takes to watch Sports Line with Hope Hines.

But give Joe some credit for getting something right for once. Biddle recently wrote that it would make sense for the Titans to trade Vince Young to the Eagles in exchange for Kevin Kolb.
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20...e-value-Titans

My inside sources have told me the Titans have actually been trying to negotiate that trade. While Mike Munchak still wants to keep VY, he hasn't yet been able to get Bud Adams to agree. In the meantime, GM Mike Reinfeldt has been working on getting a trade done as a contingency plan. If Adams won't agree to keep Young, Kolb would be the fallback option.

Of course, the thought that Kolb would be a good fit in Nashville was not an original idea on Biddle's part. Matter of fact, he's been a Joey-come-lately to the party, as usual. But if a Young for Kolb trade does happen, guess who's going to claim the credit and say, "I told you so."

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then.

Vin

HACKED! Sorry kids..

I apologize to my faithful few. It appears my blog was hacked and access was changed so I could not access things to delete unauthorized posts. I will have to use a bit more diligence in regard to security measures in the future.

I have deleted the sole offending post. It appears to have been not more than a prankster but it will not happen again.

That said, I have a few blog entries from my time off that I will post over the next few days. The labor dispute has slowed down my ability to have complete insider access and certain coverage but we will remain optimistic here in Titans Land!

Thanks to all!

Vin

A Brief Interview with " A Player"

Insider interviews with players generally work best when the public knows who the player is that's being interviewed. Unfortunately, when a former head coach of a certain unmentioned NFL team issues a gag order in regard to certain topics and when the new coach doesn't necessarily repeal said gag order it makes it very difficult to make such an interview relevant.

Today, we will do our best. Our friend (who we will call Joey for today's proceedings), who may or may not be on this unspecified team's roster stops by to answer a few questions in a most informal non detailed manner as possible. Joey plays on offense. He sometimes catches the ball. He sometimes blocks. He sometimes even speaks up on behalf of other teammates. We won't be putting names to those teammates in selected portions of our interview.

Joey, how are things my friend?

Things are just great Vincent. I've been on the road with my girl. Las Vegas and LA. Last season is in the rear view if you know what I'm saying. (I'm) hoping to start getting some calls about my services for 2011 real soon. My agent is pushing some buttons as we speak. Or at least he best be.

Speaking of last season being being "in the rear view", what is your take on what occurred with the head coaching position and do you think the "team" is going to be interested in your services in the upcoming season?

You know I can't say a whole lot in regard to Coach but it does seem that some of the dividing problems between some of my boys and some of the other guys has already worked itself out. Things (were) never as "drama" as they talk about in some of the fan forums or on PFT. I honestly haven't spoken to any team about my services. Those guys have (their) own problems to worry about with the potential league issues.

You mention fan forums and PFT. Do you and the guys partake in discussion or just read what the fans have to say.

Ah man, you know - it's hard not to get sucked into those guy(s) stories and (their) perception of how things work in the NFL. I just read for the most part but a few of the boys go with fake names and whatever. They go to bat if you know what I'm saying. ***** (QB) goes to bat with those guys from time to time. They (are) behind a screen so some of those folks don't show the kind of respect they would if they were face to face, you know. We like to comment on PFT about each other if they run a story. Just make **** up you know. Just playing. We all like a certain fan message website for the ****** (unmentioned NFL team), but not run by the team. There's some characters there that use our names and (stuff). If they use our names they normally keep it real. **** (Running back) has a boy with his name that always keeps it real. It's all in good fun though. I enjoy reading my own name regardless.

Speaking of *****(QB) what is your take on the team supposedly parting ways with him?

My man has alot of money due in a few weeks. I think he's gonna get paid. Looks like they have no choice with the league stuff and with no quarterbacks to go around you know.

If the season happens he may just be right there at home. I'm mostly thinking about where I suit up next season at this point.

If (QB) isn't back with the team next season, who goes under center?

Well they always have ****(older QB) but I ain't sure he(s) coming back. My money (is) on Lucky Charms if ****(QB) doesn't come back. They don't need nobody else. Boy (has) an arm.

Lucky Charms? Is that who I think it is? (LOL).

Yeah, that's the name we game him. Don't tell nobody but the boy has serious game. He got some playing time last season but even Coach knew he was thrown to the wolves. He's a special kid and he can throw the ball.

Finally, how do you think ***** (new head coach) is going to do in his first year?

He'll be great. I think it will be an all new attitude with one goal - get that ring. I hope I'm suiting with these boys and not against them. It's going to be something special, this first year. I mean yeah, we all miss **** (old coach) and he's has been getting alot of **** from the fans but they don't really know him either. He(s) a good man. It was just time for a change. .

Yes, I agree.. A long overdue change.

Until next time.

Vin

Does Titans Meeting Cancellation Mean Munchak is Behind The 8Ball?

It is my feeling that though the argument could be made that Coach Munchak is a step or two behind other teams in regard to the preparation process for the upcoming season, the potential (likely) work stoppage equates an entire new learning process for all NFL coaching staffs. The teams dealing with the least amount of changes since the close of the season prior may be teams with a leg up when the clouds lift. The Titans may be the team making the most changes of any in the NFL but the silver lining may come in the fact that certain other teams who generally prosper from continuity from offseason to season by also be handicapped by this unusual challenge. The opportunity for a young, hungry team to to take advantage 0f the situation may exist. Let's hope The Colts, Texans and Jaguars find the challenge a bit more difficult than our fresh new group. Wishful thinking anyway.

Vin

From The Tennesseean

Titans Cancel Meeting

Written by

Jim Wyatt

• FILED UNDER
• Sports
• Sports Tennessee Titans

Titans Coach Mike Munchak had hoped to gather his players today, introduce them to the new coaching staff and discuss plans in the event of a work stoppage.

The team meeting was abruptly canceled Tuesday, however, because of concerns about NFL rules during a league dead period, according to sources familiar with the situation.

At a meeting with coaches and general managers at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, league officials reminded teams that existing rules forbid meetings with coaches and players until the official start of offseason conditioning programs on March 15.

The NFL recently warned the Browns and Rams after coaches from those teams reportedly had contact with players. With that in mind, the Titans opted to cancel their meeting, scheduled for 11 a.m. today. Players were informed by e-mail that the "timing of the meeting is not good," according to sources.

Titans Director of Player Development Tina Tuggle sent players an e-mail last week informing them it was strongly recommended they attend the meeting at Baptist Sports Park to meet the new staff and discuss plans for a possible work stoppage.

Players have been working out at the facility in recent weeks, but current rules limit meetings between players and coaches. Soon, there might be no contact at all.

The Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to expire at 10:59 p.m. on Thursday, and without a new agreement between the NFL and NFL Players Association, teams and players would be forbidden to communicate with each other.

That would put the Titans, with a new coaching staff, in an especially difficult spot heading into the offseason.

Munchak, who returned from the combine on Tuesday, could not be reached for comment.

Reach Jim Wyatt at 615-259-8015 or jwyatt@tennessean.com.

The Great Continental Divide

The two insider questions I am most asked when I'm at (what we will call) my "day job" for the past few months are in one instance a question that every Titans fan wants to know and another that seems a bit self indulgent and not necessarily football related.

The first has been the central topic of this new blog, one to which that I've always been able to add my two cents: Who will be The Titans quarterback in 2011? It seems clear to me that The Titans will draft their QB of the future either in this draft or the next and what seems more apparent by the day is this QB will be tutored by Vince Young for at least the next few years. Those plans could change should Coach Munchak not be able to sway upper management or should The Bengals allow a trade of Palmer for Young. The jury is out but at least we have a rounder idea of how things will play out.

The second question is one that I have pondered providing insight for some time now. It is one that may jeopardize my ability to maintain my insider connections altogether: Who sided with whom in the great Vince Young / Coach Fisher divide of the past few seasons. I will pass along an adjusted portion of this information and you, The Titans fan can draw your own conclusions.

Definitely on the Fisher side of things:

Kerry Collins, who lobbied had to get the starting job back from Young.

Donnie Nickey, a Fisher favorite who had personal clashes with Young on and off the field.

Eugene Amano (and ironically his predecessor Kevin Mawae) - I guess centers just don't get along with Young.

Javon Ringer, adamant Fisher support

Marc Mariani, for obvious reasons

Those who I have seen (or heard of) expressing genuine support for Young since the Washington game;

Kenny Britt

Randy Moss

Chris Johnson

Bo Scaife

Michael Griffin

Ahmard Hall

Jared Cook

Vincent Fuller

Jason Jones

Jacob Ford

Gerald McRath

Cortland Finnegan

To say any of these players had drawn a line in opposition to either Coach Fisher or Young would be profoundly exaggerated but the lists are based off of locker room circles. This is as much as I'm willing to say on the subject but as it looks ever increasingly like Young will stay on with the team I'd say much of the divisional issue has been addressed with the departure of Coach Fisher.

Vin

Vince Young / Carson Palmer swap? Don't count on it. Yet.

Some of you older fans of this organization may recall a trade that involved Oiler QB Dan Pastorini going to The Raiders for Kenny "The Snake" Stabler. An unusual trade even in it's day. The recent buzz around LP Field that Vince Young may be offered sent to Cincinnati in return for disgruntled Bengals QB Carson Palmer may have everything to do with the team's renewed "interest" in keeping Vince around. Make no bones about it, just as this organization wanted Stabler back in the day, they covet Carson Palmer with a passion.

Bringing in Palmer would allow The Titans to address defensive needs in this year's draft rather than taking a very chancy QB selection in a draft position that every team in the NFL knows is too early to take any available name at this position. The problem is, unlike our beloved Bud Adams who often rules with his heart, Bengals owner Mike Brown (son of the legendary Paul Brown) tends to rule with a strange vindictiveness. Mr. Brown has made it all but clear that his hand will not be the one that is forced. In 2011 Carson Palmer plays in Cincinnati or makes good on his retirement threat. One ray of sunshine in the Carson Palmer situation is the willingness of the up and coming Katie Blackburn, daughter of Mike Brown to stand up to her father in similar situations. Mrs. Blackburn is the heir apparent of The Bengals and seems to hold sway in regard to Palmer's inevitable outcome. It is reported that she would like to grant Palmer his wish and she is in turn a fan of Vince Young (some may even recall footage of Mrs. Backburn tossing the old pigskin around with Young at a matchup of the two teams not long ago). Aside from their business-first nature, The Browns are a nurturing football family for wayward NFL souls who may just be the perfect people to work Young back into the business of winning (or losing if tradition holds true in Cincinnati).

As Titans we normally enjoy watching the bumbling antics of an old rival and would not normally hope they make the choice that benefits their team. We are not Bengals fans, we are Titans fans. But in this situation it seems apparent that what benefits The Bengals also helps us. Free Carson Palmer!

Sadly such a swap would likely have as much impact on the new teams as the old Pastorini/Stabler trade did in the 70's.

None.

Vin

Whisenhunt wants Vince Young in Arizona

Word spread quickly throughout NFL channels subsequent to Mike Reinfeldt's revelation that the The Titans have been receiving inquiries in regard to securing a deal for soon to be (or not? - Coach Munchak has expressed his desire to retain #10) ex-Titans starting quarterback Vince Young.

Only The Titans Insider has all the coveted details.

Three teams have contacted The Titans about Vince Young .

Arizona - Head coach Ken Whisenhunt who saw first hand how Young can lead a team to victory in 2009 when The Cardinals were upended at the last minute by an amazing Young-led drive. Coach Whisenhunt spoke specifically about giving Vince a chance to compete for a starting job as the current Cardinal QB roster is in thorough disarray.

Houston - It's no surprise that hometown hero Vince Young already owns many hearts in the state of Texas. The Texans are only interested in Young as a backup to Matt Schaub. Working from home may also be Young's preference though Titans management may see this move as a potential mistake considering the division rivalry between The Titans and Texans.

Baltimore - The Ravens expect to move on from backup Marc Bulger this offseason and as usual have an interest in all departing Titans. Young may be considered a change-up to Flacco's fastball opening up some interesting options as The Ravens try to finally topple Pittsburgh in the heavyweight division that is the AFC North.

Other teams I suspect to contact Tennessee roster management in the coming days: Minnesota, San Francisco and Miami.

I will pass along details as I have them.

Vin

Sources say Munchak wants VY

Sources say Munchak wants VY

In my last article, I wrote that Titans coach Mike Munchak believed that new offensive coordinator Chris Palmer could have made a difference in the development of Vince Young.

Munchak has declined to say if he was trying to persuade owner Bud Adams to reverse his previous decision and keep Young on the roster, but sources have told me Munchak is doing exactly that.

These sources have also informed me that Adams is now leaning that way and there is a better than 50-50 chance that Adams will go along with Munchak's request.

Stay tuned to The Titans Insider for further developments.

Vin

Palmer Hired to Develop Quarterbacks

Palmer Hired to Develop Quarterbacks

After a week's vacation (pardon my absence), I caught up today with Titans head coach Mike Munchak at the NFL Combine.

New offensive coordinator Chris Palmer has an outstanding knack for developing young quarterbacks, Munchak toldTitans Insider.

"A lot of people know that Chris coached Eli Manning to a Super Bowl," said Munchak. "What many people don't know about is all of the other young quarterbacks that Chris has developed.

"Chris was responsible for gettng Mark Brunell's career off to such a great start," Munchak said. "Brunell passed for what, over 30,000 yards? He also did a great job with Tim Couch, before he got hurt, and performed wonders with David Carr too.

"Carr did some really good things for Houston, despite their problems with the line. We can only speculate how much better he might have been with a good line and a running game."

Munchak will be depending on Palmer to develop the quarterback the Titans are expected to select in the draft. It's one reason why Munchak hired Palmer, he said.

"Chris will do an outstanding job with our quarterbacks, and that includes Rusty [Smith]," said Munchak.

Asked if Palmer would have made a difference if he had coached Vince Young, Munchak replied, "Yes, absolutely."

Tennessee Titans delay talks with Justin Babin until new CBA

WTF is Justin Babin Jim??

There is no substance to this headline in the Tennessean other than the Jim Wyatt having nothing of note to write about and Babin's agent trying to spin doctor his client into a new contract.

A player who's such a hot topic that Wyatt can't even remember his first name.

'Agent Rich Rosa, who represents Babin, said he understands why the Titans would wait. The NFL and NFL Players Association have been negotiating, but there's little optimism they will agree on a new CBA in the near future.

"The Titans have not closed the door on Jason Babin at all,'' Rosa said. "We are in very uncertain waters right now with regard to the collective bargaining agreement, and once those issues are cleared up we are going to address it. That's what the Titans told me. … We don't know the rules we are going to be playing under.'' '

Jim Wyatt Tennessean

As Snoop would say, 'Bitch please.......'

Munchak has pulled no punches over cleaning house so far with his staff but we've yet to see what he's going to do with his free Agent players .

The CBA SNAFU is delaying that but do we really want Babin back?

Babin earned another year and a token gesture pay rise but nothing more.

12.5 sacks looks great on his resume but talk of tagging him is hilarious, maybe I misread and t he's going to get tagged with an ankle monitor that will go off every time he lines up in the neutral zone.

Sacks are over rated unless the Defense is consistently getting off the field and making plays.

Our pass defense was a pitiful in 2011 because the line couldn't do it's job to put our secondary in the positions to make plays. Opposing QB's had all the time in the world.

In the big picture Babins 12.5 sacks look like a cherry stuck on top of a turd.

Babin was a nice pickup but he's a JAG player and what we really need is a stud defensive tackle.

Expect Munchak to see right through Babin's hopes of a longterm deal. He isn't worth a longterm deal and 12.5sacks or not he isn't going to get one in with the Titans.

Babin's career other than 2010 has been just like his first name......forgettable.

Colts tag Manning

As I foretold via my Titans insider connections before the old blog folded, Manning is tagged. Nothing surprising here..

Vin

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110215/SPORTS01/110215100/2080

Written by

Michael Marot
ASSOCIATED PRESS

• FILED UNDER
• Sports
• Sports Tennessee Titans

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts are keeping Peyton Manning — no matter what it costs.

Manning, the only four-time MVP in league history, has been given the exclusive franchise tag, a move that could cost the Colts $23 million next season. Team owner Jim Irsay announced the decision Tuesday night on Twitter.

“We have placed the franchise tag on Peyton while we continue to negotiate a long term deal,” Irsay wrote.

The move is hardly a surprise.

Last year, Irsay promised to make Manning the NFL’s highest-paid player. He has reiterated that position many times since then with one caveat — if the Colts couldn’t reach a new deal with Manning before free agency started they would use the franchise tag.

The Colts did the same thing in 2004 before eventually agreeing to a seven-year, $98 million deal. The Colts then pulled the tag.

Irsay hasn’t backed down on either promise, and Manning, as he usually does, has remained silent about the contract.

Three weeks ago, the Colts put their first formal proposal on the table. It was an offer Irsay and team president Bill Polian wanted to make last October, but Manning informed the team then, through his agent, that he did not want to start negotiating until after the season.

The current offer is believed to be richer than the four-year, $72 million contract that New England quarterback Tom Brady signed in September. Brady’s contract also included $48.5 million in guaranteed money, and Irsay has called that deal the standard.

“It’s not a normal negotiation, his legacy and our relationship, it’s very unusual,” Irsay said last month.

On Tuesday, Indy decided not to wait any longer to make its decision.
By “tagging” Manning, no other team can negotiate with the Colts’ franchise quarterback.

How critical is Manning to the Colts’ success?

In 13 seasons, he has broken all the franchise’s career records for quarterbacks and has never missed a start. He’s taken Indy to the playoffs 11 times, captured seven AFC South titles in eight years, won two AFC championships, one Super Bowl title and a Super Bowl MVP Award.

Titans Hire OC Palmer

Interesting. I recall Palmer from his days as a old AFCN divisional opponent with The Browns.
My insider sources tell me Mike Munchak is very pleased with this hire and sans the availability of Callahan this is the guy Mike wanted all along.

Vin

Titans Hire Ex-Browns Head Coach Palmer

Written by

John Glennon

• FILED UNDER
• Sports
• Sports Tennessee Titans

Just more than a year after announcing his retirement from the NFL, Chris Palmer returned to accept quite a challenge.

He was named offensive coordinator of the Titans on Tuesday and will face the daunting task of improving an offense that ranked 27th in the league last season overall — 29th in first downs per game and last in time of possession.

Just for good measure, the Titans don't know who will start at quarterback. They are preparing to part ways with Vince Young, and backup Kerry Collins is not under contract.

Still, the 61-year-old Palmer, who has 20 years of NFL coaching experience, sounded optimistic after watching film of the season-ending loss at Indianapolis.

"Any time you start out the season 5-2, there is some talent," said Palmer, who last year was head coach of the United Football League's Hartford Colonials. "I was impressed with the offensive line. I think there is some speed at the wide receiver spots. And I thought there were some tight ends to work with. I was encouraged by what I saw … I don't think we're that far off."

Titans Coach Mike Munchak certainly hopes Palmer is correct, after choosing the New York native over what he said were a number of other candidates. Munchak said he brought a couple of interested individuals to Nashville for interviews, and the Titans also were denied permission to interview at least a couple of other candidates — Jets offensive line coach/assistant head coach Bill Callahan and Bears offensive line coach Mike Tice.

Munchak said Palmer represented a near-perfect fit, particularly because the offensive staff has so little experience. Munchak is a rookie head coach; Dowell Loggains has just one year under his belt as quarterbacks coach; and Bruce Matthews is entering his first season as offensive line coach.

Palmer has had stints with the Giants, Cowboys, Texans, Browns, Patriots, Jaguars and Oilers. He was head coach of the expansion version of the Browns, posting a 5-27 record in 1999 and 2000. Palmer served as offensive coordinator for the Jaguars in 1997-98 and Texans from 2001-05.

"We needed experience as much as anything," Munchak said. "We needed some veteran leadership. … The fact he's been a head coach is helpful to me."

Palmer has worked with a number of young quarterbacks, including Eli Manning, Tony Romo and David Carr among others.

His most recent NFL work was with the Giants as quarterbacks coach from 2007-09, earning a Super Bowl ring when the Giants defeated the Patriots.

"I really wanted to have someone strong in that (quarterback development) area because that's been a problem here a little bit," Munchak said. "I knew it might come down to really developing a young quarterback. I felt he's been around a lot of quarterbacks in this league, and when he's been there with them, they've played very well."

Palmer said he's uncertain who will start at quarterback for the Titans, but he did say he thought Collins did a nice job in the lone game film he's watched so far, that loss to the Colts.

Palmer has been a part of plenty of different offensive styles over the years, even working with the run-and-shoot two decades ago as Oilers wide receivers coach.

He also helped quarterback Mark Brunell earn a Pro Bowl berth in 1997, when the Jaguar threw for nearly 3,300 yards and 18 touchdowns while posting a career-best passer rating of 91.2.

But based on the quarterback uncertainties for the Titans, as well as their current personnel, it's probably not fair to expect them to throw the ball all over the field next season.

"It's our job as coaches to identify what talent is available and to give them the chance to perform," Palmer said. "Our running back is a good player, and our offensive line blocked the run game very well … They're one of the better groups as far as the league is concerned.

"Basically we're going to run the ball and get into the play-action type thing, and we're going to be as physical as we possibly can."

The new defensive coordinator, Jerry Gray, said Palmer's offenses impressed him whenever the two coaches found themselves on opposite sides of the field.

"He's going to keep you off base," Gray said.

"He makes you play the whole field. If they play eight-in-the-box, he's going to hit you with the wideouts. Put seven in the box, and they're going to run the ball down your throat."